Elite juco OL already off the market

One of the nation’s top junior college offensive linemen has already made up his mind. So who was the lucky team to land Garrett Kline at Scranton (Pa.) Lackawanna College?

“I’ve been committed to N.C. State since June,” Kline, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound preseason junior college All-American, said.

“I went down there for an unofficial visit on June 1, they offered me a scholarship, and I really fell in love with everything about the campus. I’ve lived in Pennslyvania all my life, and I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life. I have family in Virginia and North Carolina isn’t too far from home, so it’ll be a great fit.

“The coaches were really excited about it. They pursued me aggressively last year and are real excited about me getting to know the program.”

Kline, who is still getting recruited a little bit by South Carolina and Kentucky despite being a solid Pack commitment, is one of the best junior college linemen available in the class of 2005. He is originally from Lackawaxen, Pa., and will have three years to play two seasons after he graduates in the spring.

"I think he's just such a big rangy guy that gets his hands on so many guys.” Lackawanna coach Mark Duda. “He's a great pass protector, that's a better run blocker now. N.C. State is getting themselves one heck of a football player."

Kline said he’s worked on developing into a good leader for his teammates.

“I try to teach the guys and get on them when they make mistakes, but I do it without being a jerk, too,” he said.

“I tell them what the situation is like without being too mean. I try to do what I can to help them remain calm and collected.”